BEFORE THE STORM: This was a look down the walk at the Olympic Outing Club along the Vermilion River shortly before July 4th 1969.

A good deal has changed since this pic was taken. Sloppy Joe’s Bar is the building in the background. And the building with the flag is the Caretaker’s Cottage.

If you look closely you can see some of the OOC children playing near the old barroom. Those youngsters are now adults and remember those days fondly. The flood changed things out of necessity. But the club survived and youngsters still play there making their own fond memories of a yesteryear.

_{A LONG TIME GONE}

HISTORY’S POLAROID PORTALS: Saturday a.m. former Ritter Library Director Janet Ford, and I were privileged to meet with Friends of Harbor Town 1837 representatives at the Commodore Place on State Street where we were given “a whole bunch” of items that had been collected and stored by their former Director, Diane Chestnut, over the last few decades at their store in what was Old Jib’s Corner. The donated items were deemed no longer pertinent to their mission as an organization. All they asked was that their organization be acknowledged when and wherever we might use them. Our intent [meaning representatives from Harbor Town, the Vermilion Area Archival Society and the Vermilion History Museum] is one of working together to help preserve local history. The joint effort is logical, practical and is hopefully appreciated by all.

Among all the items were the accompanying Polaroid snapshots. Harbor Town Rep. Kenny Baughman thought my father might have taken them. That’s because some very wise person, exercising a good deal aforethought, noted on the back of them that they were taken by Bill Tarrant. What Ken likely didn’t know is that my oldest brother’s name was also Bill. My brother was an amateur photographer who, at the time these pictures were taken, lived right across the street from the scene in them. They are snapshots of the old Evangelical & Reformed Church parsonage on Grand Street being razed in late November of 1967.

If one happens to be new to town or to have been born in the years after 1967 (or even just a few years earlier than that) you might be surprised to learn that at one time there were three homes on the west side of Grand Street north of the church. First was the parsonage (pictured), that was a rental around the time of this photo; next [right / north] was at one time the Walker home, also a rental in ‘67; and next to it (not pictured) was Gene and Yvonne (Smith) Boyd’s home. And this is where the photos took me:

After the old Parsonage became a rental [Note: a former pastor, Rev. and Mrs. Greenawalt, had set up housekeeping in a big house around the corner on Ohio Street.] a fellow named Oscar Beauchamp Farrell and his family lived there for some time. Mr. Farrell was an educated man who was born in Tennessee in 1903. He was a tall stately looking chap with a full head of prematurely white hair. His demeanor and his wonderful Tennessee accent always made me think he should have been called “Colonel” and live in one of those great southern plantation mansions with a big porch, 400 hounds and servants galore. But alas, he only lived in the old parsonage on Grand Street with his family and worked for the Sears Roebuck Co.

Mr. Farrell and his wife Doris had three children. All were very remarkable youngsters. Richard, now retired, became the Superintendent of the Sandusky schools. Robert “Robbie”, also retired, was a college professor and is an author of several Sci-Fi books. I don’t know much about Sandra, the only daughter, except that she married and moved to Georgia. Eventually the Farrell’s purchased the old Charlie Trinter home on Perry Street and, oddly enough, another Tennessee family rented the old parsonage.

The new family came to town during the population explosion following the construction of the Lorain Ford Assembly plant. Their name was Coleman. Mr. Coleman died a short time after they came to Vermilion. Mrs. Coleman remained here and was a Vermilion schoolteacher. The couple had two children: Maryanne and Jimmy. Maryanne had graduated from high school by the time the family came to town and married shortly after. Jimmy attended school here and graduated with the class of 1962. [“How-hi-the-hi-hurdles?” was the first question he asked me when I first met him. He was obviously a track enthusiast.] All in the family were very friendly and popular around town. Jimmy moved back to Memphis after graduation.

The house just to the right / north of the one being torn down in the photo is only partially visible in several of the snapshots. As mentioned, at one time the Walker family lived there. And therein is another story of interest.

In March of 1926 five Vermilion men, George Parsons, M. Okagi, Lewis Blattner, Adam Berk, and Claire Walker were on their way to a big Masonic meeting in Collins, Ohio. Okagi was driving. Coming home – just south of Berlin Heights – they came to an unimproved road and Mr. Okagi lost control of the car. It left the road and turned on its side tearing the top almost completely off and throwing the men from the car.

At first the men thought they’d all been lucky and were congratulating themselves when they discovered Walker missing. When they found him he was unconscious. They took him to a Dr. Walker’s (no relation) office in Berlin Heights, and then to the hospital. He was said to be suffering from a fracture at the base of the brain, and remained unconscious and in serious condition until he died on March 12th. He was only 36, had worked at the Baumhart drug store and also drove a local school bus. Walker, the father of five girls, was very popular and sincerely loved by all the school children that rode on his bus.
I have been searching for a photo of the Walker house for a long time. That’s partially because Mr. Walker’s granddaughter (Pat Mahar of Paw Paw, Michigan) has been after me about it for fifteen years - and this is the first time I’ve come close to finding one. And while some folks might simply see these photos as unremarkable snapshots of a house being razed, to others, such as myself, they serve as portals into a yesteryear in our community that might very well be lost forever without them.

_{Ref: Special Thanks: Harbor Town 1837; June 30, 2019.}

Vol. XV, No 5 - VERMILION, OHIO THURSDAY, July 6, 1911

Public Comfort Station Bid Let

Other Matters Of Importance Acted Upon

Village Council met in regular session Monday evening. After the reading and approval of the minutes of previous meeting several committees reported. The fire committee reported purchase of 200 feet of hose at 80c. The report was approved
Messrs. Barber and Geo. Showalter were present and asked for a sidewalk in front of their premises on Jefferson Street. The Council agreed that a walk was necessary so the ordinance requiring construction of a walk on the west side of Jefferson street between South and Ohio streets passed. A complaint was made that the street was in a very poor condition resulting largely from the construction of the Driscoll-Tischer sewer. Dirt has not been properly flushed and tamped. The street will be properly graded and the necessary crosswalk built.
In the matter of the bids for the public dock, both were rejected one being deemed too high the other being by John N. Englebry, while quite a little lower, could not be accepted on account of Mr. Englebry being a member of the Board of Trustees of Public Affairs.

The bids on the public comfort station were as follows:
John Gegenheimer – – $2,605.00
W. A. Tischer – $1,837.00
After some discussion as to the feasibility of building such a station this summer the bid of Mr. Tischer was accepted providing, he could complete it within a specified time. The boat stood 4 ayes to 1 no, Mr. McConnely thinking it would be best to postpone it until next year.
The time set for the completion of the building will be some date early next month.
The mayor reported three applications for the appointment of village clerk, W. E. Childs, Theo Penning and Lewis Blattner. The matter of appointment was deferred and will probably be made next Monday evening.
The semiannual appropriation ordinance was then passed.
After providing for the payment of bills the Council adjourned.
There will be another meeting of the Council next Monday evening when the clerk question and several other important matters will be taken up.

The Fourth

Large crowds spent the 4th July at Linwood Park and Crystal Beach. Although the day was very warm, a breeze made it more comfortable. At Linwood the Henrietta Township reunion was the attraction and a large number from the there were present. At Crystal Beach dancing formed chief amusement and a good orchestra kept the floor full of dancers. Various devices on the grounds were well patronized.
The launches and boat liveries did a good business.
In the evening the G. A. R. band gave a concert in town and so as far as we can learn the day was not marred by one serious accident.

Ellsworth Harris Dead

Ellsworth Harris died Friday night of consumption. Mr. Harris was 49 years of age and a Marine engineer. Some time ago he went to a hospital in Cleveland and seemed to partially recover and was able to work as an engineer on one of the local boats. Later the disease took a hold again with a more firm grip which resulted in great suffering and death. Besides a number of relatives including two brothers, Geo. Of Vermilion and Roy of York, Michigan, he leaves a wife and seven children.

Mr. Harris was a member of the K. O. T. M. and the Masonic fraternity the latter having charge of the services at the cemetery. Rev. Rice of the Cong’l church was the minister in charge and the funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. at the residence.

Extreme Heat

While the people of the cities are sweltering in the extreme heat and numerous prostrations and deaths the thermometer hovering around one the 100 mark, we can be thankful we are not living in a city. It is certainly hot enough here with the Mercury at 96 in the shade and then some. A number here have been overcome by heat for a few hours the most serious case was that of Fred Lawless, plumber for G. H. Blattner, who was unconscious for a time, but we are pleased to report his recovery.
A cooling breeze from the lake on the 4th and most of the time since is making a heat more bearable although in some portions of the town even this does not reach at times.
The engineer at the waterworks is now pumping from 250,000 300,000 gallons of water a day we can be thankful that the supply has not been cut down as it has at Sandusky where the filters cannot supply the needs of the consumers.
In the evening hundreds are taking advantage of our fine bathing facilities.
The farmers report the extreme heat as interfering with the harvest, the horses seem to be suffering more than ever for this cause.
The commercial fishing is reported as first-class and boats are bringing in very satisfactory lifts.
Both meat markets will be closed on Sunday hereafter.

Country correspondence

AMHERST

BORN – to Mr. and Mrs. E. Warner a son Friday, June 30.

Aug Michael has purchased an automobile.

C. O. Masters of Guernsey County has been hired as superintendent of Township schools.

Wm. Barber received a severe cut over the eye while working at the Lorain Shovel Works Thursday

Mrs. Anna Catherine Arndt, 80 died last Wednesday afternoon home of her daughter Mrs. John Reinhardt Brownell.

Mrs. Katherine Merkley died Wednesday at her home three miles from Amherst at the age of sixty-three. Husband and seven children are left.

Mrs. John Balzar died late Wednesday evening at St. Joseph’s Hospital after an illness of several days. She was 33 years old and leaves a husband five small children.

A large number from here attended the circus at Lorain Saturday.

The seven-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Straw Middle Ridge died at Memorial Hospital Elyria Friday following an operation for appendicitis.

Aug Lange who was operated on at St. Joseph’s Hospital short time ago is reported not quite so.

A peculiar operation was performed by Dr. O. C. Vermilya on Mrs. George Hunt Fremont. Mrs. Hunt had for some time complaining of severe pains in her ear head. No matter what remedy was tried there was no relief. Dr. Vermilya decided to investigate still further and after a delicate operation, discovered that a little insect known as a wood tick had lodged in her ear and had deposited a lot of little eggs, so small that they could hardly be seen in the ear. A powerful microscope showed them up. It is believed that Mrs. Hunt will suffer no more effects from the visit the insect.

Impaled on a picket which pierced his body just below his heart to a depth of 2 inches when he fell from a cherry tree, Clarence Smith 12, managed to extricate himself and make his way to the home of his father, Frank Smith, in Center Township, near Bowling Green, where he was given surgical attention.
Although the wound was 2 inches deep and 3 inches wide it is reported the boy was doing well and will recover.

When her horse ran away, Mrs. W. H. Wildman of Norwalk was thrown from her carriage as the wheels caught in car tracks, and struck on her head on the curbing. She luckily escaped without a fractured skull.

LOCALS _{AND PERSONALS}

Charles Barber and sons attended the circus at Sandusky Friday.

Capt. L. Stone and Roy Kane were among the Lake men to visit their homes here the Fourth.

The fire department was called out Monday evening on account of fireworks having set fire this some nets in the Ranney Fish house. The fire was put out before the department arrived. The damage was slight.

Two people spent the evening of July 4 in jail. One was just “drunk” and drew $2.00 and costs, the other H. Dunlap of Amherst, who cost officers some trouble drew a fine of $5.00 and costs.

Mrs. L Benham who has been with Rev. and Mrs. Harrold the last five weeks is very sick with the shade of hope still lingers that she may get better.

Last Friday the launch Onaway of Cleveland was taken from perilous proximity to the rocks west of the harbor by the ferry Gertrude and towed into port. The engine went on strike and the boat was drifting onto rocky beach when the signals of crew were seen.

Mr. Frank Bachman has been ill with typhoid fever slowly improving but still confined to his bed.

Supt. A. L. Irey was called home from Chicago Wednesday by the death of his baby daughter.

[NOTE: This is worthy of noting because a few years later Irey experienced some serious mental health problems that stayed with him for the remainder of his life. He had two other daughters.]

Mrs. John Barry who has been confined to her bed for the past seven weeks is again able to be up around the house her son Conrad is on the gain.

Edward Schrader, of Amherst attempted to suicide Monday night by eating Paris Green. He ate the poison dry and as a consequence failed to perform its intended duty.

[Paris Green is a highly toxic emerald green powder used as an rodenticide / insecticide.]

BERLIN HEIGHTS

Our Village band discoursed at New London, Tuesday the Fourth.

The funeral services of Mrs. Louise Sanford who died Monday afternoon was [sic] held Wednesday afternoon at 3 o’clock from home.

The Fourth passed off quietly. Several went to the lake, some to nearby towns, but most stayed home.

NORTH ROAD

Elmer Best is suffering from an attack of typhoid fever.

Quite a number from here attended the show at Lorain Saturday

Baille Arrested

A. M. Baille well known Berlin Heights stone man, gave himself up to Toledo authorities 6 o’clock Friday evening to answer to a charge of having attempted to bribe a public officer.

Warrant for Baille’s arrest was issued Thursday afternoon at the instance of sidewalk inspector Henry Hune, who was alleged that Baille had attempted to press $25 into his hands. Baille had been consulting Hune, the latter declares in an effort to secure a contract for the Baille Stone Company, which he represented. Baille appeared at the office of Deputy Police Clerk Frampton Price with Judge Commanger and a friend.

“I am A. M. Baille, I understand there is a warrant out for my arrest,” he announced.

Detective Kujawa who had a warrant for Baille’s arrest was summoned and read the warrant. Bail was placed at $200, which was furnished in cash. –Star Journal.

Auto Party

Mr. and Mrs. George Clark, daughter, Miss Gertrude, Mrs. J. W. Spalding and Miss Carrie Clark of Bellevue, a sister of Mr. Clark left Monday night for an auto tour through southern Canada and the east. The party will go from Detroit to Montréal on the Canadian side, cross the St. Lawrence, tour through Vermont and Massachusetts to Boston, thence to New York City and up the Hudson. They will return by the way of Buffalo and Cleveland. The autoists expect to make the trip in about a month will travel about 3000 miles. – Lorain News.

Eileen Decker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Decker, 314 10th St., died at St. Joseph’s Hospital late last night. The body will be removed to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Drexler. Funeral tomorrow 2 o’clock. Dr. say that the little girl died from the effects intense heat. – Lorain News, Mon.

A. K. Kendeigh age 79, died at St. Joseph’s Hospital Sunday night result of a fall about two weeks ago. He was a resident of Amherst for many years. - Lorain News

Babies all over the city are suffering from the effects of boiling heat and it is feared that many deaths may be reported within the next few days. – Lorain News.